The New York Yankees are evaluating their catching options amid ongoing offensive struggles from Austin Wells, who has been sidelined with headaches and has performed well below expectations at the plate this season. Wells, a first-round pick in 2020 and a 2024 Rookie of the Year finalist, has battled a batting average of .166 with a .533 OPS over 47 games before his injury, placing him among the least productive hitters in the majors.

Yankees catching coach Jason Swanson acknowledged that the team has inquired about catcher Ryan Jeffers but emphasized that conducting background checks on players linked to the organization is standard practice. “I’ve been asked on every player that I’ve ever been connected to,” Swanson said, noting that interest in Jeffers does not necessarily indicate imminent roster changes. He added that while he remains positive about Wells and the current catcher group, the front office’s plans will become clearer as the trade deadline approaches.

Wells’ offensive difficulties have coincided with reported headaches he has experienced since early June. Swanson suggested these symptoms might have contributed to his decline at the plate, referencing the cumulative impact of catchers absorbing repeated blows to the head, often without meeting formal concussion protocols. “I think it all contributed, if we’re being honest,” Swanson remarked, although he stopped short of confirming if micro-trauma was definitively a factor in Wells’ condition.

Despite offensive shortcomings, Wells’ defensive capabilities have earned high marks within the organization. Yankees pitchers have frequently praised his preparation and skill behind the plate. Statistical metrics support his defensive value, ranking him in the upper tier for catcher framing runs, strike zone management, and blocking ability. Comparatively, Wells maintains higher overall performance numbers than Jeffers, as measured by fWAR (6.6 versus 5.3) since Wells’ first full season in 2024.

There is caution within the Yankees about introducing a new starting catcher midseason, as integrating someone unfamiliar with the team’s defensive system could disrupt the pitching staff’s rhythm. Swanson pointed to the challenge of adapting to different terminology and approaches, which vary even among coaches. Pitching coach Matt Blake agreed that while bringing in a new catcher would require adjustment, it remains feasible.

Should the Yankees pursue a catcher upgrade, Jeffers remains a prominent candidate due to his potential to complement Wells, particularly by offsetting Wells’ struggles against left-handed pitching. However, the cost and timing of acquiring a starting-caliber catcher could lead the Yankees to consider alternatives suited for backup roles or platoon situations. Names linked to this consideration include Houston’s Christian Vázquez, Texas Rangers catchers Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen, Los Angeles Angels’ Logan O’Hoppe, Oakland Athletics’ Jonah Heim, and Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees are expected to explore multiple options while Swanson reiterated his commitment to developing the current catchers. “I like our guys, I believe in our guys,” he said. “From my seat, we’re going to continue to pour into the guys we have here and try to continue to find ways to get better.” Any roster adjustments, he noted, would be directed by the front office, with coaching staff ready to adapt accordingly.